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Keywords = mercuric chloride

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10 pages, 868 KiB  
Article
Thermal Demercurization of Coal Sorbents
by Bagdaulet Kenzhaliyev, Valeriy Volodin, Sergey Trebukhov, Alina Nitsenko, Xeniya Linnik, David Magomedov and Yerkebulan Kilibayev
Metals 2025, 15(6), 662; https://doi.org/10.3390/met15060662 - 13 Jun 2025
Viewed by 251
Abstract
The extraction of mercury in the vapor–gas phase from coal sorbents, used to capture mercury from industrial waste gases, was studied herein to develop a unified technology. The behavior of mercury compounds (Hg2Cl2 and HgCl2) under conditions of [...] Read more.
The extraction of mercury in the vapor–gas phase from coal sorbents, used to capture mercury from industrial waste gases, was studied herein to develop a unified technology. The behavior of mercury compounds (Hg2Cl2 and HgCl2) under conditions of thermal demercurization in a fore vacuum and at atmospheric pressure was examined using partial pressure diagrams. It was established that the stable phases during the technological process are vaporous mercury and Cl2. As a result of technological research and extensive testing with developed equipment at 400–800 °C and pressure in the range of 0.13–91.99 kPa, it was established that mercury in a vacuum under these conditions almost completely enters the vapor–gas phase (99.4–99.97%). A similar degree of mercury extraction from a coal sorbent was achieved at 600–800 °C at atmospheric pressure. A study was conducted, and it was established that the sorbent after thermal demercurization—in terms of its sorption capacity for gold—was practically comparable to fresh, unused Norit sorbent. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Extractive Metallurgy)
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14 pages, 2125 KiB  
Article
Physiological Adaptations of Vigna radiata to Heavy Metal Stress: Soluble Sugar Accumulation and Biomass Enhancement
by Wenjing Qi, Jinping Bai, Han Yu and Guojun Han
Plants 2025, 14(8), 1191; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14081191 - 11 Apr 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 559
Abstract
Background: Heavy metal contamination significantly threatens crop growth and global food security. Understanding plant responses to such stress is crucial to developing stress-tolerant crops. This study explores the physiological and biochemical responses of Vigna radiata (L.) R. Wilczek to mercury, lead, and copper [...] Read more.
Background: Heavy metal contamination significantly threatens crop growth and global food security. Understanding plant responses to such stress is crucial to developing stress-tolerant crops. This study explores the physiological and biochemical responses of Vigna radiata (L.) R. Wilczek to mercury, lead, and copper stress, focusing on the role of soluble sugar accumulation and biomass enhancement in conferring heavy metal tolerance. Methods: Commercially available V. radiata seeds were exposed to varying concentrations (50, 150, and 300 mg/L) of mercurous nitrate, lead nitrate, and copper chloride under controlled conditions. The germination rates, seedling growth, and physiological parameters such as the soluble sugar and protein content were analyzed using spectrophotometry and statistical methods, including ANOVA. Results: The results demonstrated that lead ion stress significantly increased the seedling dry weight, while all the tested heavy metals promoted soluble sugar accumulation. Although the heavy metals inhibited germination and growth at higher concentrations, Vigna radiata exhibited strong tolerance at moderate stress levels. Conclusion: This study highlights the adaptive strategies of V. radiata, including soluble-sugar-mediated osmotic adjustment and enhanced biomass allocation, which contribute to its resilience under heavy metal stress. These findings provide insights for breeding stress-resistant crops and managing heavy-metal-contaminated environments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Plant Response to Abiotic Stress and Climate Change)
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11 pages, 11993 KiB  
Communication
Thalassophryne maculosa (Batrachoididae: Thalassophryninae) as a Bioindicator of Mercury-Induced Genotoxicity
by Mauro Nirchio Tursellino, Nicola Noemi Coppola, Juan Ignacio Gaviria Montoya and Juan Antonio Gómez
Toxics 2025, 13(3), 206; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics13030206 - 13 Mar 2025
Viewed by 598
Abstract
Environmental monitoring requires reliable bioindicators to assess the genotoxic effects of pollutants in aquatic ecosystems. In this study, the marine fish Thalassophryne maculosa was evaluated as a bioindicator of genotoxicity through the application of the micronucleus test. Fish were exposed to varying concentrations [...] Read more.
Environmental monitoring requires reliable bioindicators to assess the genotoxic effects of pollutants in aquatic ecosystems. In this study, the marine fish Thalassophryne maculosa was evaluated as a bioindicator of genotoxicity through the application of the micronucleus test. Fish were exposed to varying concentrations of mercuric chloride (HgCl2) (0.1, 0.25, and 0.5 µg HgCl2/g body weight) over different time intervals (24, 48, 72, and 96 h). A dose- and time-dependent increase in nuclear abnormalities, including micronuclei, was observed, with significant chromosomal damage detected at 0.25 and 0.5 µg HgCl2/g body weight. These results demonstrate the sensitivity of T. maculosa to mercury exposure, even at concentrations below regulatory safety thresholds, emphasizing its suitability as a bioindicator for detecting genotoxic contamination in coastal ecosystems. This study provides critical insights into the ecological risks posed by mercury and highlights the potential of T. maculosa to enhance environmental monitoring programs, particularly in regions vulnerable to heavy metal pollution. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Ecotoxicology)
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17 pages, 2948 KiB  
Article
The Optimization of In Vitro Culture Establishment and Shoot Proliferation of “GiSelA 17” (Prunus canescens × Prunus avium): A Novel Cherry Rootstock
by Ikra Manzoor, Khalid Mushtaq Bhat, Mohammad Amin Mir, Narendran M. Nair, Aashiq Hussain Pandit, Ume Kulsum, Shoeb Quadri, Smithal Deshmukh and Taras Pasternak
Int. J. Plant Biol. 2025, 16(1), 33; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijpb16010033 - 7 Mar 2025
Viewed by 1351
Abstract
“GiSelA 17” (Prunus canescens × Prunus avium) is a novel cherry clonal rootstock with the ability to bear fruit early and resist replant situations, and it has a high tolerance to the menaces of Prunus dwarf virus (PDV) and Prunus necrotic [...] Read more.
“GiSelA 17” (Prunus canescens × Prunus avium) is a novel cherry clonal rootstock with the ability to bear fruit early and resist replant situations, and it has a high tolerance to the menaces of Prunus dwarf virus (PDV) and Prunus necrotic ring spot virus (PNRSV). In this study, two kinds of explants were taken, i.e., shoot tip (E1) (10 mm) and nodal segment (E2) (15 mm) explants. Five different sterilant regimes using sodium hypochlorite, mercuric chloride, and ethyl alcohol were employed to assess surface sterilization. Two types of media, namely Murashige and Skoog (MS) and Woody Plant Medium (WPM), and twelve and six plant growth regulator combinations with benzyl amino purine (BAP) and indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) were used, respectively, for the establishment and proliferation steps. The results show that maximum culture asepsis (75.33%) was obtained with shoot tips (E1) using 0.05% HgCl2 for 5 min + 70% ethanol for 10 s (S4), and maximum explant survival (80.33%) was observed in 0.1% HgCl2 for 5 min (S1) for shoot tips (E1). The maximum establishment rate (83.33%) was found in shoot tips (E1) in MS medium with BAP + IBA (1 + 0.01 mg/L) during the establishment step, with a maximum proliferation rate of 92.00% obtained in MS and BAP (0.75 mg/L). Inferior establishment results (26.66%) were obtained in nodal segments (E2) using WPM and BAP + IBA (1.50 + 0.01 mg/L), with a low proliferation rate (68.66%) in WPM and BAP + IBA (0.25 + 0.01 mg/L). Nonetheless, our research is the first in vitro study on “GiSelA 17” rootstock that focuses on generating the best quality planting material for commercial cherry production. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Plant Reproduction)
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16 pages, 1531 KiB  
Article
Mercury-Resistant Bacteria Isolated from an Estuarine Ecosystem with Detoxification Potential
by Marynes Quintero, Sol D. Zuluaga-Valencia, Lady Giselle Ríos-López, Olga Sánchez, Cesar A. Bernal, Niza Sepúlveda and Javier Gómez-León
Microorganisms 2024, 12(12), 2631; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12122631 - 19 Dec 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1724
Abstract
Mercury pollution is a significant environmental issue, primarily resulting from industrial activities, including gold mining extraction. In this study, 333 microorganisms were tested in increasing mercury concentrations, where 158 bacteria and 14 fungi were able to grow and remain viable at concentrations over [...] Read more.
Mercury pollution is a significant environmental issue, primarily resulting from industrial activities, including gold mining extraction. In this study, 333 microorganisms were tested in increasing mercury concentrations, where 158 bacteria and 14 fungi were able to grow and remain viable at concentrations over 5.0 mg/L of mercuric chloride (II). One of the bacterial strains, Stenotrophomonas sp. INV PRT0231, isolated from the mouth of the San Juan River in the Chocó region in Colombia, showed a high mercury resistance level (MIC90 of 27 ± 9 mg/L), with a removal rate of 86.9%, an absorption rate of 1.2%, and a volatilization rate of 85.7% at pH 6.0 and 30.0 °C. The FTIR analysis showed changes in the functional groups, including fatty acid chains and methyl groups, proteins, and lipopolysaccharides associated with the carboxylate group (COO), suggesting an important role of these biomolecules and their associated functional groups as mechanisms employed by the bacterium for mercury detoxification. Our study contributes to the understanding of the mechanisms of mercury biotransformation in microbial environmental isolates to help develop bioremediation strategies to mitigate mercury pollution caused by anthropogenic activities. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Environmental Microbiology)
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15 pages, 1176 KiB  
Article
Efficient In Vitro Propagation of Turpinia arguta and Quantitative Analysis of Its Ligustroflavone and Rhoifolin Content
by Jiangmei Hu, Junhuo Cai, Xinrui Hu, Lijun Wang, Qiangqiang Cheng and Xiuhua Tao
Horticulturae 2024, 10(6), 587; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae10060587 - 4 Jun 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 998
Abstract
Turpinia arguta is an excellent medicinal plant mainly used for the treatment of pharyngitis, tonsillitis, and tonsillar abscesses. However, an efficient regeneration protocol using tissue cultures for T. arguta does not exist. Its main medicinal constituents are flavonoids, particularly ligustroflavone and rhoifolin. Here, [...] Read more.
Turpinia arguta is an excellent medicinal plant mainly used for the treatment of pharyngitis, tonsillitis, and tonsillar abscesses. However, an efficient regeneration protocol using tissue cultures for T. arguta does not exist. Its main medicinal constituents are flavonoids, particularly ligustroflavone and rhoifolin. Here, we aimed to establish a tissue culture system for T. arguta for the first time using annual stem segments with axillary buds harvested from the field of the Jiangxi Academy of Forestry as explants by dynamically determining the accumulation of effective functional components in the tissue culture plantlets. Orthogonal tests were conducted to compare the effects of different explant disinfection times, media, and exogenous hormone ratios on the induction of the axillary bud growth, successional proliferation, and rooting of T. arguta stem segments. The best explant disinfection effect was achieved by disinfecting the T. arguta explant with 75% ethanol for 50 s, followed by 0.1% mercuric chloride (HgCl2) for 6 min, and the optimal media for successional proliferation and rooting were Murashige and Skoog (MS) + 0.2 mg/L of 6-benzyladenine (6-BA), + 0.03 mg/L of naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA), and ½ MS + 2.5 mg/L of indole-3-butyric acid + 0.5 mg/L of NAA, respectively. The detection of ligustroflavone and rhoifolin in tissue culture plantlets 0, 3, and 5 months after transplanting showed a significant increasing trend and eventually exceeded the content requirements of the 2020 Edition ofChinese Pharmacopoeia for T. arguta. Our findings provide, for the first time, an effective tissue culture system for T. arguta, thereby providing important information to support the germplasm preservation, innovation, and application of T. arguta in the future. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Propagation and Seeds)
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17 pages, 4634 KiB  
Article
Coenzyme Q10-Loaded Albumin Nanoparticles Protect against Redox Imbalance and Inflammatory, Apoptotic, and Histopathological Alterations in Mercuric Chloride-Induced Hepatorenal Toxicity in Rats
by Shimaa S. Ramadan, Farah A. El Zaiat, Engy A. Habashy, Mostafa M. Montaser, Habeba E. Hassan, Shahinaz S. Tharwat, Manal El-khadragy, Ahmed E. Abdel Moneim, Gehad E. Elshopakey and Ahmed M. A. Akabawy
Biomedicines 2023, 11(11), 3054; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines11113054 - 14 Nov 2023
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2253
Abstract
Exposure to mercuric chloride (HgCl2), either accidental or occupational, induces substantial liver and kidney damage. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a natural antioxidant that also has anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic activities. Herein, our study aimed to investigate the possible protective effects of CoQ10 [...] Read more.
Exposure to mercuric chloride (HgCl2), either accidental or occupational, induces substantial liver and kidney damage. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a natural antioxidant that also has anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic activities. Herein, our study aimed to investigate the possible protective effects of CoQ10 alone or loaded with albumin nanoparticles (CoQ10NPs) against HgCl2-induced hepatorenal toxicity in rats. Experimental animals received CoQ10 (10 mg/kg/oral) or CoQ10NPs (10 mg/kg/oral) and were injected intraperitoneally with HgCl2 (5 mg/kg; three times/week) for two weeks. The results indicated that CoQ10NP pretreatment caused a significant decrease in serum liver and kidney function markers. Moreover, lowered MDA and NO levels were associated with an increase in antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, GPx, GR, and CAT), along with higher GSH contents, in both the liver and kidneys of intoxicated rats treated with CoQ10NPs. Moreover, HgCl2-intoxicated rats that received CoQ10NPs revealed a significant reduction in the hepatorenal levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, NF-κB, and TGF-β, as well as an increase in the hepatic level of the fibrotic marker (α-SMA). Notably, CoQ10NPs counteracted hepatorenal apoptosis by diminishing the levels of Bax and caspase-3 and boosting the level of Bcl-2. The hepatic and renal histopathological findings supported the abovementioned changes. In conclusion, these data suggest that CoQ10, alone or loaded with albumin nanoparticles, has great power in reversing the hepatic and renal tissue impairment induced by HgCl2 via the modulation of hepatorenal oxidative damage, inflammation, and apoptosis. Therefore, this study provides a valuable therapeutic agent (CoQ10NPs) for preventing and treating several HgCl2-induced hepatorenal disorders. Full article
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12 pages, 1374 KiB  
Article
The Behavior of Terbuthylazine, Tebuconazole, and Alachlor during Denitrification Process
by Kristína Pániková, Zuzana Bílková and Jitka Malá
J. Xenobiot. 2023, 13(4), 560-571; https://doi.org/10.3390/jox13040036 - 1 Oct 2023
Viewed by 1627
Abstract
Pesticide compounds can influence denitrification processes in groundwater in many ways. This study observed behavior of three selected pesticides under denitrifying conditions. Alachlor, terbuthylazine, and tebuconazole, in a concentration of 0.1 mL L−1, were examined using two laboratory denitrifications assays: a [...] Read more.
Pesticide compounds can influence denitrification processes in groundwater in many ways. This study observed behavior of three selected pesticides under denitrifying conditions. Alachlor, terbuthylazine, and tebuconazole, in a concentration of 0.1 mL L−1, were examined using two laboratory denitrifications assays: a “short” 7-day and a “long” 28-day test. During these tests, removal of pesticides via adsorption and biotic decomposition, as well as the efficiency of nitrate removal in the presence of the pesticides, were measured. No considerable inhibition of the denitrification process was observed for any of the pesticides. On the contrary, significant stimulation was observed after 21 days for alachlor (49%) and after seven days for terbuthylazine (40%) and tebuconazole (36%). Adsorption was in progress only during the first seven days in the case of all tested pesticides and increased only negligibly afterwards. Immediate adsorption of terbuthylazine was probably influenced by the mercuric chloride inhibitor. A biotic loss of 4% was measured only in the case of alachlor. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Emerging Chemicals)
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21 pages, 2860 KiB  
Article
Assessing Kidney Injury Induced by Mercuric Chloride in Guinea Pigs with In Vivo and In Vitro Experiments
by Himanshu Goel, Richard L. Printz, Chiyo Shiota, Shanea K. Estes, Venkat Pannala, Mohamed Diwan M. AbdulHameed, Masakazu Shiota and Anders Wallqvist
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(8), 7434; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24087434 - 18 Apr 2023
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2218
Abstract
Acute kidney injury, which is associated with high levels of morbidity and mortality, affects a significant number of individuals, and can be triggered by multiple factors, such as medications, exposure to toxic chemicals or other substances, disease, and trauma. Because the kidney is [...] Read more.
Acute kidney injury, which is associated with high levels of morbidity and mortality, affects a significant number of individuals, and can be triggered by multiple factors, such as medications, exposure to toxic chemicals or other substances, disease, and trauma. Because the kidney is a critical organ, understanding and identifying early cellular or gene-level changes can provide a foundation for designing medical interventions. In our earlier work, we identified gene modules anchored to histopathology phenotypes associated with toxicant-induced liver and kidney injuries. Here, using in vivo and in vitro experiments, we assessed and validated these kidney injury-associated modules by analyzing gene expression data from the kidneys of male Hartley guinea pigs exposed to mercuric chloride. Using plasma creatinine levels and cell-viability assays as measures of the extent of renal dysfunction under in vivo and in vitro conditions, we performed an initial range-finding study to identify the appropriate doses and exposure times associated with mild and severe kidney injuries. We then monitored changes in kidney gene expression at the selected doses and time points post-toxicant exposure to characterize the mechanisms of kidney injury. Our injury module-based analysis revealed a dose-dependent activation of several phenotypic cellular processes associated with dilatation, necrosis, and fibrogenesis that were common across the experimental platforms and indicative of processes that initiate kidney damage. Furthermore, a comparison of activated injury modules between guinea pigs and rats indicated a strong correlation between the modules, highlighting their potential for cross-species translational studies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Toxicology)
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12 pages, 5182 KiB  
Article
Investigation of Vermicompost Influence on Seed Germination of the Endangered Wild Rubber Species Scorzonera tau-saghyz
by Kenzhe-Karim Boguspaev, Svetlana Turasheva, Meirambek Mutalkhanov, Zhandos Bassygarayev, Gulzira Yernazarova, Aizada Alnurova and Balaussa Sarsenbek
Diversity 2023, 15(2), 224; https://doi.org/10.3390/d15020224 - 3 Feb 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2885
Abstract
In this paper, the effect of an organic fertilizer, namely, “vermicompost tea” (VCT), on the germination of seeds of the rare wild species Scorzonera tau-saghyz Lipsch. et & G.G. Bosse was studied. S. tau-saghyz is an alternative rubber plant to Hevea brasiliensis, [...] Read more.
In this paper, the effect of an organic fertilizer, namely, “vermicompost tea” (VCT), on the germination of seeds of the rare wild species Scorzonera tau-saghyz Lipsch. et & G.G. Bosse was studied. S. tau-saghyz is an alternative rubber plant to Hevea brasiliensis, and it was widely distributed and grew well in the northwestern spur of the Tien Shan in the pre-war years (1931–1943). In recent decades, the number of wild species of S. tau-saghyz in natural populations has declined sharply due to climate change and the impact of anthropogenic factors. In this context, it has become necessary to restore the number of wild species. One of the critical phases in the restoration of surviving S. tau-saghyz populations and domestication is seed germination. The approaches that have been explored to increase seed germination, such as stratification and seed dressing with ethyl mercuric chloride, have not yielded good results. The current study covered 4 and 8 h short-term seed treatments with 1, 5 and 10% VCT. The priming of S. tau-saghyz seeds with 10% VCT was found to significantly increase germination from 39.0 (in the control) to 76.7% and to improve seedling vigor, mean germination time, and seedling weight. The combination of soaking the seeds in 10% VCT for 8 h and cultivating the seedlings in soil with 20% vermicompost further improved both germination and seedling growth. The vermicompost incorporation lengthened the main root, which normally accumulates rubber, and it increased its crude biomass by 1.6 times compared to that of the control. Full article
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11 pages, 3695 KiB  
Article
Cross-Regulation between Autophagy and Apoptosis Induced by Vitamin E and Lactobacillus Plantarum through Beclin-1 Network
by Ahlam M. Alhusaini, Sara A. Alhumaidan, Ghaida M. Alharbi, Eman A. Alzahrani, Wedad S. Sarawi, Hatun A. Alomar, Abeer M. Alanazi, Dareen S. Mattar and Iman H. Hasan
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(23), 15305; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms232315305 - 4 Dec 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1857
Abstract
Autophagy and apoptosis are two important regulatory mechanisms for how the body can respond to diseases. This study was designed to investigate the protective actions of vitamin E (Vit-E) and lactobacillus plantarum (Lac-B) against mercuric chloride (HgCl2)-induced kidney injury. Thirty albino [...] Read more.
Autophagy and apoptosis are two important regulatory mechanisms for how the body can respond to diseases. This study was designed to investigate the protective actions of vitamin E (Vit-E) and lactobacillus plantarum (Lac-B) against mercuric chloride (HgCl2)-induced kidney injury. Thirty albino rats were divided into five groups: group 1 served as the normal group; rats in group 2 received high doses of HgCl2; rats in groups 3, 4 and 5 were given Vit-E, Lac-B and the combination of Vit-E and Lac-B, respectively along with HgCl2 for two weeks. HgCl2 provoked renal injury, manifested by elevation in serum urea, urea nitrogen and creatinine. Kidney levels of oxidative stress and inflammation were markedly increased post HgCl2 administration. Moreover, HgCl2 significantly elevated the gene expression levels of VCAM-1 and cystatin C, while podocin was downregulated. Additionally, it markedly decreased the protein expression of Beclin-1 and Bcl-2. Histopathological examination revealed massive degeneration with congested blood vessels following HgCl2 administration. Treatment with Vit-E or/and Lac-B restored the normal levels of the previously mentioned parameters, as well as improved the morphology of kidney tissues. Both Vit-E and Lac-B provided a protective effect against HgCl2-induced kidney damage by regulating autophagy and apoptosis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Biology)
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14 pages, 2689 KiB  
Article
Toxicological Effects of Mercuric Chloride Exposure on Scenedesmus quadricauda
by Yuheng Ge, Xudong Liu, Fangru Nan, Qi Liu, Junping Lv, Jia Feng and Shulian Xie
Water 2022, 14(20), 3228; https://doi.org/10.3390/w14203228 - 13 Oct 2022
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3271
Abstract
Mercuric chloride (HgCl2) is a common heavy-metal pollutant widely used in commercial products and industry, but its excessive use and uncontrolled discharge have caused great harm to aquatic environments and human health. To research the mechanisms of HgCl2 toxicity in [...] Read more.
Mercuric chloride (HgCl2) is a common heavy-metal pollutant widely used in commercial products and industry, but its excessive use and uncontrolled discharge have caused great harm to aquatic environments and human health. To research the mechanisms of HgCl2 toxicity in aquatic organisms, this study cultured the green alga Scenedesmus quadricauda in a gradient of HgCl2 concentrations (0, 0.1, 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, and 0.9 mg/L) for 9 days. The results showed that: (1) when the concentrations of HgCl2 were high (≥0.7 mg/L), the toxic effects completely inhibited the growth of algal cells, the culture liquid changed from green to light yellow, and cells aggregated and sank to the bottom. Submicroscopic structural imaging showed that at 0.9 mg/L HgCl2, the algal cells were seriously damaged and obvious plasma–wall separation occurred. Furthermore, the arrangement of photosynthetic lamellae became disordered and the nuclei and protein nuclei faded or even disappeared. (2) When the concentrations of HgCl2 were low and medium (≤0.5 mg/L), the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in algal cells increased in the first five days, but the degree of increase was smaller than in the control group. However, under high HgCl2 concentrations (≥0.7 mg/L), the activity of SOD began to decrease sharply on the seventh day. The activity of peroxidase (POD) decreased more obviously than that of SOD. (3) Under medium and high HgCl2 concentrations (≥0.5 mg/L), the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) in algal cells increased over time, and had not decreased again by the last day of measurement. In contrast, the contents of total protein (TP) and soluble sugar (SS) both exhibited decreasing trends under high HgCl2 concentrations. (4) When the HgCl2 concentrations were ≥0.7 mg/L, the content of photosynthetic pigments in algal cells decreased, and the light quantum yield of PS Ⅱ decreased. At the same time, as culture time progressed, the photosynthetic electron transfer and energy-conversion efficiency were seriously damaged and photosynthesis never returned to normal levels. This research provides a reference for understanding the mechanism by which HgCl2 pollution affects aquatic ecosystems and may help with pollution management in the future. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Water Pollution and Its Impact on Human Health)
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17 pages, 1276 KiB  
Article
Efficient In Vitro Sterilization and Propagation from Stem Segment Explants of Cnidoscolus aconitifolius (Mill.) I.M. Johnst, a Multipurpose Woody Plant
by Min Gu, Youli Li, Huier Jiang, Shihu Zhang, Qingmin Que, Xiaoyang Chen and Wei Zhou
Plants 2022, 11(15), 1937; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11151937 - 26 Jul 2022
Cited by 19 | Viewed by 5650
Abstract
Cnidoscolus aconitifolius (Mill.) I.M. Johnst is a multipurpose woody plant. In this study, an in vitro efficient propagation system of stem segment explants derived from field-grown C. aconitifolius plants was established for the first time. The sterilization effect, axillary bud initiation, and [...] Read more.
Cnidoscolus aconitifolius (Mill.) I.M. Johnst is a multipurpose woody plant. In this study, an in vitro efficient propagation system of stem segment explants derived from field-grown C. aconitifolius plants was established for the first time. The sterilization effect, axillary bud initiation, and proliferation efficiency of stem segments were evaluated. The results showed that the sterilization time of 0.1% mercuric chloride, the concentration of Plant Preservative Mixture (PPM), the pretreatment method, and the sampling season had significant effects on the sterilization of stem segments (p < 0.05). The type of medium and plant growth regulators (PGRs) affected the initiation of axillary buds, and the proliferation efficiency was significantly affected by PGRs. The results showed that the best sterilization method for stem segment explants was as follows: a pretreatment by rinsing with running water for 120 min, soaking in 75% ethanol for 50 s, soaking in 0.1% mercuric chloride for 10 min, and medium supplemented with 3 mL/L PPM. When inoculated on the medium in spring, the contamination rate was as low as 25.56%. The optimal initiation medium for axillary buds in stem segments was half-strength Murashige and Skoog (1/2 MS) medium supplemented with 0.5 mg/L 6-benzyladenine (6-BA). The induction rate was as high as 93.33%, and the mean length of axillary buds was 2.47 cm. The optimal proliferation medium was 1/2 MS medium supplemented with 4.0 mg/L 6-BA and 0.2 mg/L indole-3-butyric acid (IBA). The induction rate was up to 80.00%, the total proliferation coefficient was 4.56, and the net proliferation coefficient was 5.69. The 1/2 MS medium supplemented with 0.1 mg/L 6-BA and 1.5 mg/L indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) was most conducive to the elongation of the adventitious shoot, and the adventitious shoot of approximately 1 cm reached 1.93 cm after culturing for 14 days. The best medium for adventitious shoot rooting was 1/2 MS medium supplemented with 0.1 mg/L α-naphthalene acetic acid (NAA), the highest rooting rate was 82.00%, and the survival rate of transplanting was over 90%. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Plant Development and Morphogenesis)
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22 pages, 9539 KiB  
Article
Pimenta dioica (L.) Merr. Bioactive Constituents Exert Anti-SARS-CoV-2 and Anti-Inflammatory Activities: Molecular Docking and Dynamics, In Vitro, and In Vivo Studies
by Heba A. El Gizawy, Sylvia A. Boshra, Ahmed Mostafa, Sara H. Mahmoud, Muhammad I. Ismail, Aisha A. Alsfouk, Azza T. Taher and Ahmed A. Al-Karmalawy
Molecules 2021, 26(19), 5844; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26195844 - 27 Sep 2021
Cited by 72 | Viewed by 5768
Abstract
In response to the urgent need to control Coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19), this study aims to explore potential anti-SARS-CoV-2 agents from natural sources. Moreover, cytokine immunological responses to the viral infection could lead to acute respiratory distress which is considered a critical and [...] Read more.
In response to the urgent need to control Coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19), this study aims to explore potential anti-SARS-CoV-2 agents from natural sources. Moreover, cytokine immunological responses to the viral infection could lead to acute respiratory distress which is considered a critical and life-threatening complication associated with the infection. Therefore, the anti-viral and anti-inflammatory agents can be key to the management of patients with COVID-19. Four bioactive compounds, namely ferulic acid 1, rutin 2, gallic acid 3, and chlorogenic acid 4 were isolated from the leaves of Pimenta dioica (L.) Merr (ethyl acetate extract) and identified using spectroscopic evidence. Furthermore, molecular docking and dynamics simulations were performed for the isolated and identified compounds (14) against SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro) as a proposed mechanism of action. Furthermore, all compounds were tested for their half-maximal cytotoxicity (CC50) and SARS-CoV-2 inhibitory concentrations (IC50). Additionally, lung toxicity was induced in rats by mercuric chloride and the effects of treatment with P. dioca aqueous extract, ferulic acid 1, rutin 2, gallic acid 3, and chlorogenic acid 4 were recorded through measuring TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-10, G-CSF, and genetic expression of miRNA 21-3P and miRNA-155 levels to assess their anti-inflammatory effects essential for COVID-19 patients. Interestingly, rutin 2, gallic acid 3, and chlorogenic acid 4 showed remarkable anti-SARS-CoV-2 activities with IC50 values of 31 µg/mL, 108 μg/mL, and 360 µg/mL, respectively. Moreover, the anti-inflammatory effects were found to be better in ferulic acid 1 and rutin 2 treatments. Our results could be promising for more advanced preclinical and clinical studies especially on rutin 2 either alone or in combination with other isolates for COVID-19 management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Products for COVID-19: Prevention and Treatment)
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18 pages, 4908 KiB  
Article
Nanoencapsulation of Pomegranate Extract to Increase Stability and Potential Dermatological Protection
by Lucía Yepes-Molina, José A. Hernández and Micaela Carvajal
Pharmaceutics 2021, 13(2), 271; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics13020271 - 17 Feb 2021
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3613
Abstract
Pomegranate extract (PG-E) has been reported to exert a protective effect on the skin due to its antioxidant activity. Ingredients rich in phenolic compounds are unstable in extract solutions, and, therefore, the use of a suitable nanosystem to encapsulate this type of extract [...] Read more.
Pomegranate extract (PG-E) has been reported to exert a protective effect on the skin due to its antioxidant activity. Ingredients rich in phenolic compounds are unstable in extract solutions, and, therefore, the use of a suitable nanosystem to encapsulate this type of extract could be necessary in different biotechnological applications. Thus, we investigated the capacity of Brassica oleracea L. (cauliflower) inflorescence vesicles (CI-vesicles) to encapsulate PG-E and determined the stability and the antioxidant capacity of the system over time. In addition, the protective effect against UV radiation and heavy metals in HaCaT cells was also tested. The CI-vesicles had an entrapment efficiency of around 50%, and accelerated stability tests did not show significant changes in the parameters tested. The results for the HaCaT cells showed the non-cytotoxicity of the CI-vesicles containing PG-E and their protection against heavy metals (lead acetate and mercuric chloride) and UV-B radiation through a reduction of oxidative stress. The reduction of the percentage of deleted mtDNA (mtDNA4977, “common deletion”) in UV-treated HaCaT cells due to the presence of CI-vesicles containing PG-E indicated the mechanism of protection. Therefore, the effects of CI-vesicles loaded with PG-E against oxidative stress support their utilization as natural cosmeceuticals to protect skin health against external damage from environmental pollution and UV radiation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Liposomal Drug Delivery Systems)
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